Solomon
The son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.
At a glance
- Name
- Solomon
- Type
- Person
- Period
- Old Testament
- Appears in
- The books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles
- First appearance
- 2 Samuel 12
- Known for
- The wise king who built the temple
Who is Solomon?
Solomon is a son of David and Bathsheba who succeeds his father as king of Israel. Early in his reign God offers to give him whatever he asks, and Solomon asks for wisdom to govern the people.
He is remembered for that wisdom, including the case of two women who each claim the same child, and for the wealth and reach of his reign. His major undertaking is building the temple in Jerusalem.
In his later years Solomon takes many foreign wives and follows their gods, and the text presents this as a turning away that sets the stage for the kingdom to divide after his death.
Solomon in the Bible
Solomon asks for wisdom
Given the choice of any gift, Solomon asks God for wisdom to govern Israel.
Read 1 Kings 3 →Building the temple
Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem as a house for the LORD.
Read 1 Kings 6 →Solomon turns away
In old age Solomon's foreign wives turn his heart toward other gods.
Read 1 Kings 11 →People connected with Solomon
- son of David Solomon is the son of David who succeeds him as king.
Key passages featuring Solomon
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.